Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my statement, I mentioned that the current subsidy program for day cares creates difficulties for them to manage their operation on a budget which is always changing. Does the Department of Education, Culture and Employment fund day cares…Sorry. Why does the department fund day cares based on a daily attendance subsidy?

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Return To Question 77-16(1): Subsidies For Day Care Operations

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the funding is, most of the day cares in the Northwest Territories are based on the enrolment of the students. I’m sorry, the children and based on attendance. But there has been some, I would say, increase in the contribution in 2007 in the childcare facilities. So those are the things that we are looking at, that our department is planning on, depending on the priorities and planning that’s coming out as a strategy. So if that fits into that, then we will certainly work with that. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Ms. Bisaro.

Supplementary To Question 77-16(1): Subsidies For Day Care Operations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I heard the Minister say that there has been an increase to the funding, but if there is an increase to a daily subsidy which continues to be based on attendance of children, it really doesn’t assist the day cares in maintaining a constant funding formula and be able to budget efficiently and manage their operation. So will the Minister clarify that and will the Minister agree that there needs to be a review of the application of this particular subsidy?

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 77-16(1): Subsidies For Day Care Operations

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when we first heard of the closure of this facility, it was a one day closure. Our department had been notified immediately. I met with my staff to deal with this issue and what kind of solutions and options that could be offered by working with the facility, working with the communities. Because it is not only one facility, it is across the board, Northwest Territories as a whole we have to look at. It is an ongoing discussion. I can commit to working with the colleague, Ms. Bisaro, to work on this solution. When there is a problem, there is always a solution. We need to move forward. I am committed to working with her. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Ms. Bisaro.

Supplementary To Question 77-16(1): Subsidies For Day Care Operations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to hear the information from the Minister that they are looking at this particular situation. I totally agree with the Minister that this is not a problem that is limited to Yellowknife. It is definitely a problem for any day care anywhere in the Territories. I happen to be aware of an example in Yellowknife. So I ask the Minister, if there is a review underway, when can we expect to get some results from this review and a possible change to the current subsidy application? Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 77-16(1): Subsidies For Day Care Operations

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated, there is discussion. They are taking place within my department and working with the day care facilities on identifying the needs of the day care facilities. This will be an ongoing discussion as we speak now. I am hoping that we can see a review document by early in the new year somewhat integrated through the strategy planning that we are strategizing for the 16th Assembly. Mahsi.